Pliable Ball Grip Handle with Applications

ABSTRACT

The pliable ball grip handle is a spherical shaped handle which is grasped by at least two fingers and a thumb. The pliable ball grip handle has an attachment for cable machines, fixed resistance equipment and resistance tubing apparatus not including bars and dumbbells. The pliable ball grip handle sufficiently activates the muscles of the fingers and the palm of the hand relieving stress on joints and tendons of the hand, elbow and shoulder. The pliable ball grip handle is attached to cable machines, fixed resistance equipment and resistance tubing apparatus by various means at the end of an accessory strap end of the handle. The pliable ball grip handle applied to resistance tubing simplifies the resistance device as an upper body exercise apparatus.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise and, more particularly, to asolid pliable spherical shape exercise handle which provides an enhancedgrip.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Previously the cylindrical handles for exercise apparatus, specificallyfor resistance apparatus and cable machines, as well as any other fixedresistance equipment, not including bars and dumbbells, create anabundance of stress on joints and tendons of the hand, elbow andshoulder due to insufficient hand grip. Spherical and ball grip handleswhich were utilized did not sufficiently activate the muscles of thefingers and the palm of the hand. Also employed were handles attached toelastic tubing. These handle types do not sufficiently activate themuscles of the fingers and the palm of the hand. Also, spherical handleswhich are solid create a static grip with no pliability to activate themuscles of the fingers and the palm of the hand.

In the search for exercise handles which are cylindrical the followingwas found. U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,416 to Davis issued Feb. 17, 2004, U.S.Pat. No. 5,842,961 to Davis issued Dec. 1, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,214to Riazi issued Sep. 15, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,578 to Ashkonenissued Dec. 31, 1991, D317032 to Eckler issued May 21, 1991, U.S. Pat.No. 4,909,505 to Tee issued Mar. 20, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,527 toLedbetter issued Jul. 12, 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 3,510,132 to Holkesvickissued May 5, 1970, U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,171 to Oesau issued Nov. 28,1967, U.S. Pat. No. 3,068,002 to Balne issued Dec. 11, 1962 and U.S.Pat. No. 1,623,671 to Frankenfeld issued Apr. 5, 1927.

In the search for spherical or ball grips the following was found. U.S.Pat. No. 4,784,386 to Muehl issued Nov. 15, 1988 and U.S. Pat. No.3,807,730 to Dalton et al. issued Apr. 30, 1974.

Spherical handles which are solid are application 2004/0038784 to Huang,U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,085 to Cole issued Mar. 28, 1972, U.S. Pat. No.1,638,003 to Neumann issued Aug. 2, 1927, U.S. Pat. No. 712,827 toMaxwell & White issued Nov. 4, 1902, U.S. Pat. No. 359,994 to Brunnerissued Mar. 29, 1887.

Handles employed with elastic tubing are U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,494 toSantighian issued Jun. 7, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,734 to Lee et al.issued Apr. 26, 1977 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,204 to Dubach issued Jun.29, 1976.

Cylindrical handles which are not pliable are U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,532 toKropp issued Aug. 27, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,265 to Wieder issuedNov. 22, 1977.

The categories of exercise handles which are cylindrical create anabundance of stress on joints and tendons of the hand, elbow andshoulder due to insufficient hand grip. Non-pliable sphere or ball gripsdo not sufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the palm ofthe hand. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,386 are hollow ballswhich do not have sufficient resistance and are too large which does notsufficiently activate the muscles in the hand. U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,730is a dome shaped handle with semi spherical top and flat base which istoo large to activate the muscles of the hand or fingers. In contrast,the patents which are spherical solid handles create a static grip withno pliability to activate the muscles of the fingers and palm. Handleswhich were found which are attached to elastic tubing do notsufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the palm. It wasalso found that these handles are too pliable and pinch the sides of thehand when pulled. Cylindrical handles are not pliable and do notsufficiently activate the muscles of the fingers and the palm.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the pliable ball griphandle with applications described in my patent, several objects andadvantages of the present invention are:

(A) The pliable ball grip handle will improve any exercise by activatingthe muscles in the fingers and hands which in turn activates allrelative muscles for that specific exercise that employ a handle otherthan a barbell or dumbbell.

(B) The pliable ball grip handle when applied to cable or other fixedresistance equipment, not including barbell and dumbbells, will give theuser the same benefit as when the pliable ball grip handle is used withresistance tubing.

(C) The pliable ball grip handle applied to a resistance tubingapparatus simplifies the device as an upper body exercise apparatusenabling use of the body as a fulcrum base for exercising the upper bodyand arms.

(D) The pliable ball grip handle application with the resistance tubingalong with a tubing safety sleeve and a safety cord within theresistance tubing makes a safer apparatus for general use in exercising.

(E) The pliable ball grip handle used with resistance tubing is portableand can be used in minimal space which makes it an ideal exercisecompanion whether at work, traveling, at home or anywhere in between.

(F) The pliable ball grip handle with resistance tubing can be used forpersons at any age or physical ability. Merely gripping the pliable ballgrip handle will begin to activate the fingers, in turn strengtheningthe muscles regardless of repetition.

(G) The pliable ball grip handle with its simplicity and specific muscletargeting benefits is an apparatus that would substantially assistpeople with upper body physical rehabilitation concerns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 is an overall cross sectional view of the pliable ball griphandle 10. FIG. 1 is the inventions preferred embodiment. Thecircumference of the solid pliable sphere 12 is approximately 5″-7″ insize. It is a closed celled foam rubber material. The strapping 14 isapproximately ⅜″ wide and of a strapping 14 material. The strapping 14is folded in half which creates a grip strap end 15 and an accessorystrap end 22. The grip strap end 15 is the two ply strapping 14. Thisgrip strap end 15 is inserted into the solid pliable sphere 12 at thestrapping insertion 16 point. It continues through the solid pliablesphere 12 and through the strapping expulsion 18 point. At the strappingexpulsion 18 point of the solid pliable sphere 12 the grip strap end 15is looped in opposite directions coming back over the solid pliablesphere 12 to the strapping insertion 16 point. The strapping 14 is asingle ply strap when encircling the solid pliable sphere 12. The gripstrap end 15 is then secured together at the strapping insertion 16point, forming the strapping connection 20. The strapping connection 20is secured together to the accessory strap end 22 at the strappinginsertion 16 point. The accessory strap end 22 loop of the accessorystrap end 22 was made when the strap was folded in half. This accessorystrap end 22 is available for exercise machine cables, fixed resistanceequipment or elastic tubing 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—Alternative Embodiments

FIG. 2 is an overall cross sectional view of the pliable ball griphandle 10 applied to the elastic tubing 24. FIG. 2 is an additionalembodiment of the invention. The accessory strap end 22, as described inFIG. 1, is attached to the elastic tubing 24. The stopper 28 issandwiched in the accessory strap end 22. The accessory strap end 22 isinserted into the elastic tubing 24. The stopper and tubing crimpingdevice 30 is positioned between the end of elastic tubing 24 and bulgeof stopper 28. The stopper 28 creates a bulge in the elastic tubing 24and is further accentuated by the stopper and tubing crimping device 30when inserted into the elastic tubing 24. The stopper 28 and the stopperand tubing crimping device 30 are further secured by the elastic reverseoverlap tubing 26. The elastic tubing 24 is approximately ¼″ innerdiameter×approximately 1/16″ wall thickness and approximately 18″ long.The stopper 28 is of an approximate ¼″ diameter size and pliable. Thestopper and tubing crimping device 30 is a comparative heavy duty cottonor nylon thread. The cord 32 is shown in the center of FIG. 2 within thecutout of the elastic tubing 24. The cord 32 is attached to theaccessory strap end 22 underneath the stopper 28 prior to insertion intothe elastic tubing 24. The cord 32 is a non-elastic material and apredetermined length as described in operation of FIG. 2 below. Thesleeve 34 is shown covering the elastic tubing 24. The sleeve 34 coversthe entire length of the elastic tubing 24 and is closed by hook andloop or similar fastening device. The sleeve 34 is a cloth or cushioned,pliable, non-elastic material.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the solid pliable sphere 12 and closable pouch36. FIG. 3 is an additional embodiment of the invention. The closablepouch 36 is a durable material and is approximately 2″-3″ wider than thecircumference of the solid pliable sphere 12. The attachment pouch strap42 is shown attached to the center of the closable pouch 36 along theentire length. The solid pliable sphere 12 is placed in the center ofthe closable pouch 36 on the attachment pouch strap 42. The pouch beltcutouts 40 are shown equidistantly placed at the edge of the closablepouch 36. The pouch belt cutouts 40 are made by cutting an appropriatesize slit in the closable pouch 36 to accommodate the pouch beltingmechanism 38. The pouch belting mechanism 38 is shown inserted throughthe pouch belt cutouts 40. The attachment pouch strap 42 is of astrapping material and approximately 18″ long. The pouch beltingmechanism 38 is a thin material and slightly longer than thecircumference of the closable pouch 36 with hook and loop or othersimilar fastening closure.

FIG. 4 is the solid pliable sphere 12 enclosed in closable pouch 36.FIG. 4 is a closed view of the additional embodiment of FIG. 3. FIG. 4shows the closable pouch 36 closed by tightening the pouch beltingmechanism 38. The attachment pouch strap 42 is shown extending from theclosable pouch 36.

OPERATION—Preferred Embodiment

In FIG. 1 the pliable ball grip handle 10 is placed in the users palmand gripped with at least two fingers and a thumb. It is attached by theaccessory strap end 22 to the preferred exercise machine cables, fixedresistance equipment or elastic tubing 24. The user grips the pliableball grip handle 10 and initiates the exercise.

In FIG. 2 the user grips the solid pliable sphere 12 in the palm with atleast two fingers and a thumb and grips the opposite solid pliablesphere 12 in the opposite palm in the same manner. Upon separating thepliable spheres and stretching the elastic tubing 24 the stopper 28 isanchored by the stopper and tubing crimping device 30 in the elasticreverse overlap tubing 26 enabling the user to stretch the elastictubing 24 to achieve resistance. The cord 32 which is attached toaccessory strap end 22 is pulled to a specific length with the elastictubing 24. The cord 32 is a non-pliable material of a predeterminedlength. The length is determined by stretching the tubing and isapproximately between 5′ and 7′. The cord 32 is a non-elastic materialand prevents the elastic tubing 24 from overstretching. The cord 32 willprevent separation by relieving stress on the stopper and tubingcrimping device 30 and the elastic reverse overlap tubing 26. In theevent that the elastic tubing 24 should separate the cord 32 will assurethe user that the elastic tubing 24 will travel along the path of thecord 32. The sleeve 34 encloses and is the same length as the elastictubing 24 when it is not in use. The sleeve 34 is a cloth or cushioned,pliable, non-elastic material and acts as a safety cover to protect theuser's body when using the body as a fulcrum base. Also, the sleeve 34acts as a cover against accidental breakage of the elastic tubing 24 bycreating a tunnel preventing the elastic tubing 24 from hitting the bodyof the user.

In FIG. 3 the solid pliable sphere 12 is placed in the center of theclosable pouch 36. For operation, the closable pouch 36 is closed whichis shown in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4 the closable pouch 36 is tightened and closed. The placementof the pouch belt cutouts 40, as shown in FIG. 3, is designed to tightenthe closable pouch 36, through the means of the pouch belting mechanism38, in a circular motion around the edge of the closable pouch 36. Thepouch belting mechanism 38 is placed through the pouch belt cutouts 40and pulled through to bring the pouch belt cutouts 40 together totighten the end of closable pouch 36 around the solid pliable sphere 12.The pouch belting mechanism 38 is provided with a fastening device suchas a hook and loop or other closure device. The fastening device islocated at the end of the pouch belting mechanism 38 and upon tighteningsecures closable pouch 36. The attachment pouch strap 42 extends fromthe closable pouch 36 for attachment to exercise machine cables, fixedresistance equipment or elastic tubing 24. The user grips the closablepouch 36 in the palm with at least two fingers and a thumb uponinitiating exercise.

1. A pliable ball grip handle for exercising comprising: means forgripping; means for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere,securely attached to said means for gripping; and means for connectingsolid pliable sphere to exercise applications, a continuation of saidmeans for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere.
 2. The pliableball grip handle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forgripping comprises a solid pliable sphere.
 3. The solid pliable sphereof claim 2, wherein said means for gripping having a plurality ofcolors, a plurality of symbols and a plurality of textured surfaces. 4.The solid pliable sphere of claim 1, wherein said means for grippinghaving a closable pouch for enclosing solid pliable sphere.
 5. Theclosable pouch of claim 4, wherein said means for enclosing solidpliable sphere having a plurality of colors and symbols on its surface.6. The closable pouch of claim 4, wherein said means for enclosing solidpliable sphere having an attachment pouch strap for attaching toexercise application.
 7. The attachment pouch strap of claim 6, whereinsaid means for attaching the solid pliable sphere to exerciseapplication having a plurality of colors and symbols on its surface. 8.The pliable ball grip handle in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidmeans for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere comprises a gripstrap end.
 9. The grip strap end of claim 8, wherein said means forsecurely connecting to solid pliable sphere having a plurality of colorsand a plurality of symbols on its surface.
 10. The pliable ball griphandle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for connectingsolid pliable sphere to exercise applications, a continuation of saidmeans for securely connecting to solid pliable sphere comprises anaccessory strap end.
 11. The accessory strap end of claim 10, wherein acontinuation of said means for securely connecting to solid pliablesphere having a plurality of colors and a plurality of symbols on itssurface.
 12. A pliable ball grip handle for exercising comprising: asolid pliable sphere, for gripping; a grip strap end, for securelyconnecting to solid pliable sphere, securely attached to said solidpliable sphere; an accessory strap end, for connecting solid pliablesphere to exercise applications, a continuation of said grip strap end.13. The pliable ball grip handle as recited in claim 12, furthercomprising: an elastic tubing, for connecting to accessory strap end,securely connected to said accessory strap end.
 14. The pliable ballgrip handle as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a non-rigidmaterial cord, for preventing the elastic tubing from over extension,securely attached to said accessory strap end.
 15. The pliable ball griphandle as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a sleeve, forenclosing elastic tubing, circularly wrapped along the length to saidelastic tubing.
 16. The sleeve as recited in claim 15 furthercomprising: said sleeve having a plurality of colors and symbols on itssurface.